BYD Shark 6 vs Toyota HiLux
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Utes compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Plug-in hybrid fuel economy is shown as a hybrid (battery depleted) so it compares fairly with the other car. A PHEV's official "combined" figure assumes you start every trip fully charged, so real-world economy depends on how often you plug in. Electric range shows how far it goes before the petrol engine is needed.
Price Breakdown
The BYD Shark 6 starts from $55,900 before on-road costs, while the Toyota HiLux opens at $33,990. That makes the Toyota HiLux the more affordable entry point by $21,910.
Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $61,490 and $37,389 respectively.
The BYD Shark 6 qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Toyota HiLux, as a petrol model, does not qualify.
Over 5 years, the running costs favour the BYD Shark 6 by roughly $8,510 in fuel alone.
Safety Rundown
Both the BYD Shark 6 and Toyota HiLux hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The BYD Shark 6 packs more ADAS features with 4 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 3 in the Toyota HiLux.
Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist.
Feature Showdown
The BYD Shark 6 features a 12.8-inch touchscreen paired with a 10.3-inch digital dash, while the Toyota HiLux gets a 12.3-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.
The BYD Shark 6 stands out with Apple CarPlay and V2L that you will not find on the Toyota HiLux. The Toyota HiLux counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the BYD Shark 6 gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Toyota HiLux offers cloth. Climate control is 2-zone in the BYD Shark 6 and 1-zone in the Toyota HiLux.
Drivetrain
The BYD Shark 6 uses a Hybrid producing 321kW and 650Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.7 seconds.
The Toyota HiLux responds with a 2.8L 4-cyl Turbo-Diesel making 150kW and 420Nm, paired to a manual driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 10.2 seconds.
The BYD Shark 6 has the clear power advantage at 321kW vs 150kW. In the real-world sprint, the BYD Shark 6 is 4.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The BYD Shark 6 measures 5,457mm long on a 3,260mm wheelbase, 77mm longer than the Toyota HiLux at 5,380mm (3,085mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the BYD Shark 6 generally means more rear legroom.
0For towing, the Toyota HiLux leads with a 2,900kg braked capacity vs 2,500kg. That 400kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
10.8m to 13.5m
Based on 13.5m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $379/year for the BYD Shark 6 and $2,081/year for the Toyota HiLux. That is a $1,702 annual difference in favour of the BYD Shark 6.
Estimated annual total: $379 (BYD Shark 6) vs $2,081 (Toyota HiLux). The BYD Shark 6 saves you roughly $1,702 per year in total ownership costs. Use our Fuel Cost Calculator to estimate based on your driving.
Warranty: 6 years / 150,000km (BYD Shark 6) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Toyota HiLux). The BYD Shark 6 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the BYD Shark 6 if: You prioritise performance, want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer BYD's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Toyota HiLux if: You want the lower entry price, need stronger towing, or prefer Toyota's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The BYD Shark 6 takes 4 of 7 key spec categories. The BYD Shark 6 will save you roughly $1,702 a year in fuel. The BYD Shark 6 adds peace of mind with a longer 6-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, BYD Shark 6 and Toyota HiLux?
The Toyota HiLux is the cheapest at $33,990 before on-road costs. That undercuts the BYD Shark 6 by $21,910.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The BYD Shark 6 uses the least fuel at 2L/100km on the combined cycle.
Which is safest?
They are evenly matched — BYD Shark 6 and Toyota HiLux all hold a 5-star ANCAP rating. Compare the active-safety features above to separate them.
Which can tow the most?
The Toyota HiLux has the highest braked towing capacity at 2,900kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The BYD Shark 6 has the longest warranty at 6 years / 150k km.
Which is the most powerful?
The BYD Shark 6 makes the most power at 321kW. The BYD Shark 6 is quickest to 100km/h in 5.7s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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